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A chat with Hamilton Perkins Collection founder : Hamilton

«The Internet has made things possible for our industry to improve the world and make products that matter.» Hamilton Perkins

Today we have the pleasure to share with our readers another great inspirational interview, this time with Hamilton Perkins bags founder where he shared invaluable pieces of advice for those starting their own businesses as well as heartwarming inspiration for the ones who still believe in a world where profit and social service come hand in hand

FCTW:Can you tell us a bit about the man behind the brand?

HP: I founded Hamilton Perkins Collection to solve a personal problem of mine. I couldn’t easily find a stylish backpack that I could be proud to carry. Prior to starting this venture I worked in the Investment Management industry, and earlier worked as an analyst at a bank.

FCTW: Where did the idea for the Hamilton Perkins Collection Earth bags came from?

HP: We wanted to make a bag that had purpose. The problem with most bags is that they are not easily adaptable to your travel experience. Our bags are made out of recycled plastic bottles and lined with vinyl from repurposed billboards. Each bag is different and unique, and importantly, the bag converts from a duffle bag into a backpack. Every bag we sell saves water, cuts carbon emissions, and – creates jobs.

FCTW: Why have you decided to implement sustainable practices and materials in your business?

HP: It goes back to caring. The Internet has made things possible for our industry to improve the world and make products that matter. If a company is starting out today it’s just inherent to have this advantage.

FCTW: What were the biggest challenges you have had to overcome while setting up your business and incorporating sustainability to its core?

HP: The hardest part is being patient and maybe communicating that patience. When you are staring something from nothing there are lots of details that have to be built out along the way. Sometimes the challenge is working for the long-term even if it does not materialize in the short-term.

FCTW: Who or what inspired you the most during the design process of the Hamilton Perkins Collection Earth bags?

HP: People are the most inspirational aspect of what we do. By making what are many seemingly small simple decisions that add up to solve a large complex problem is the most rewarding part of it all.

FCTW: What comes first the material or design?

HP: We started the conversation without either, but married the two once we started making sales. We spoke with our prospective customers first and got their input before we moved ahead with material or design selections.

FCTW: What advice would you give for those starting a sustainable fashion business?

HP: For us it was about being inspired enough to solve a personal problem and then be able to serve others. Don’t get too wrapped up in the idea, that’s the easy part. The hard part about starting any business is just actually doing it. Find what you can do better than any other company in the industry and share the story.

Hamilton bags are made of 100% recycled plastic bottles and lined with repurpose vinyl from billboards helping to tackle environmental issues such as ocean pollution. Millions of tons of plastic are thrown in the sea every year, bottles can take hundreds of years to biodegrade and decompose, it is estimated that one million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles die each year when they become trapped in plastic or eat it.

If you like this history please share and join us helping keep the seas plastic free and animals safe by supporting brands like Hamilton bags and cutting down on plastic consumption.